Who knew food could have so much power? I always thought food was only a problem for people who overate...I was wrong. January of 2009 I got a sinus infection that wouldn't quit. I was on 4 different antibiotics, none helped in the least bit. I went to a specialist who said I needed to have the "roto-rooter" sinus surgery which would mean I would have to either quit nursing my baby early or have the surgery during our busy season since I couldn't handle 6+ more months of a sinus infection. So as a last resort and to prove a friend wrong who was telling me that my sinus issues were food related I went to a naturopath. She told me not to eat gluten (which is found in wheat, barely and rye) and dairy for 2 weeks while my blood test was being processed. I about died, no bread? no cheese? No cheese on bread? What would I do? But I am stubborn and knew she was wrong so I did it. Amazing thing happened...sinus infection was gone, energy back and I even had more energy than before! I was convinced...and still am. Everytime I eat the food I am not supposed to I get sick...within 20 minutes I can feel my sinuses swell or my hands itch from the skin irritation that gluten gives me. I get "sleepy eyes" as I call them and my head is foggy and I have a hard time thinking. I am amazed how fast it hits me.
Now Ellie has had issues for a while, attitude like no other since she was 4. I had her tested...what do you know she has the same issues as I do, really I shouldn't be surprised. I have now taken food dye away from all of my kids and put Ellie on a gluten free dairy free diet the changes in her are amazing...what is even more amazing is the changes that happen to her "fast and furious" when something she shouldn't have slips in. WOW! We just had one of those fits tonight, I feel so sad for her because I know how rotten she feels when she eats these things that don't agree with her body. But I do have to say that the fits help her to understand why she can't eat certain things. This gluten free dairy free diet is the hardest (and not cheap either) thing I have done in my life, but it is so worth it!
Mother of the Year!
1 year ago
Sarah - thanks for posting this. I often have parents asking about gluten-free, casein-free (or other) diets for their kids with autism, adhd, or general behavior problems like distractability/hyperactivity. Usually these parents don't want to pursue meds for various reasons, but their behavior is influencing their performance in the classroom. It's great to hear a firsthand account from you, and also your observations with Ellie. It gives me something positive to pass on to parents who are considering diet changes.
ReplyDeleteI totally feel for you. I didn't realize until this year what food allergies really meant. I'm currently doing an immunotherapy to retrain my immune system for both pollen/grass allergies and food ones. I don't have major sinus issues with specific foods...but there are little delayed reactions.
ReplyDeleteMy little Jocelyn is allergic to wheat/gluten/soy and those are HUGE in the food industry. We see the allergist on Tuesday to figure out what we're going to do with her. It may just be the same regimen that I'm on.
Christy-I have had a ton of issues with Ellie who is a sweet compassionate loving girl and then can turn and just be evil, strong word but fitting. The first thing we took away was the food dye and WOW, even Bob who thought I was crazy noticed a difference. The gluten was next with improvement and then the dairy. She isn't 100% dairy free but almost. I didn't want to do meds either and I am glad that I was able to be directed in a way that helped her without them.
ReplyDeleteBridgett-How did you find out Jocelyn was allergic to that stuff, what prompted you to have her tested? I am in the process of getting gluten free products into our country store. I have found a few lines I really like and most are also dairy free soy free nut free. Luckily there is some good products out there.